Bling H20: A Premium Bottled Water Brand
1. Introduction
This report seeks to explore the brand of mineral water known as Bling H20. In order to do this, the history and origins of the brand will be looked into, as well as the design, manufacturing process, and the current market for Bling H20 in Australia. Furthermore, how Bling H20 has been received in the media and by the general public will also be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn based on the findings of this report.
2. The Origin of Bling H20
Bling H20 is a brand of mineral water that was founded in 2004 by Kevin Boyd in Dandridge, Tennessee (Armstrong, 2009). The idea for the brand came about when Boyd was working as a writer and producer in Hollywood and he became increasingly aware of the importance of water to maintain a healthy lifestyle (ibid). Boyd believed that there was a gap in the market for a premium bottled water that was both healthy and stylish, and so he set about creating Bling H20 (ibid).
The name ‘Bling H20’ was inspired by the trend for wearing excessive amounts of jewellery, or ‘bling’, which was popular at the time (Armstrong, 2009). Boyd wanted his brand of water to be just as glamorous as the jewellery worn by celebrities, and so he chose to bottle his water in Swarovski crystals (ibid). In order to ensure that his water was of the highest quality, Boyd implemented a nine-step process to purify his water before it was bottled (Boyd, 2006).
3. The Design of Bling H20
The distinctive design of Bling H20 has been integral to its success as a premium bottled water brand. The bottles are made from clear glass and are adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals, which give them a luxurious look and feel (Armstrong, 2009). The bottles are also designed to be practical, with a screw top lid that makes them easy to open and close (ibid).
4. The Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for Bling H20 is extremely stringent in order to ensure that the water is of the highest quality. The first step is to source the water from an underground spring in Tennessee (Boyd, 2006). This water is then filtered using a nine-step process that includes reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light treatment (ibid). Once the water has been purified, it is then ready to be bottled (ibid).
5. The Australian Market
Bling H20 is currently available in three sizes in Australia: 350ml, 750ml, and 1L (BlingH2OAustralia, n.d.). The bottles are sold individually or in packs of six or 12, and they are available from a number of retailers including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers such as Amazon Australia (ibid). Prices start at $3.95 for a single 350ml bottle and range up to $89.95 for a pack of 12 1L bottles (ibid).
6. Bling H20 in the media
Bling H20 has been featured in a number of high-profile publications including Vogue magazine, who described it as ‘the ultimate status symbol’ (Kelley, 2006, p.158). The brand has also been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and InStyle magazines (BlingH2OAustralia, n.d.). Bling H20 has also been mentioned in a number of news articles, both in Australia and internationally (ibid).
7. Critical Reception
Bling H20 has received mixed reviews since its launch in 2004. Some critics have praised the brand for its unique design and luxurious feel, while others have criticised it for being too expensive and unnecessary (Kelley, 2006; Armstrong, 2009). However, there is no denying that Bling H20 has been successful in establishing itself as a premium bottled water brand, with a loyal following of customers who are willing to pay for its luxury status.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, Bling H20 is a unique brand of mineral water that has been successful in establishing itself as a premium product. The luxurious design of the bottles, combined with the high quality of the water inside, has attracted a loyal customer base who are willing to pay for the privilege of drinking Bling H20. While the brand has received mixed reviews, there is no doubt that it has made a significant impact since its launch in 2004.